"Naturally," he replied. "I quite understand that. I am delighted to
think that you are coming at all. May I ask whether you have conferred
with your friends about the matter?"

Maraton shook his head.

"I have not even mentioned it to them. I met what I understand to be a
committee of the Labour Party this morning--a Mr. Dale, Abraham
Weavel, Culvain, Samuel Borden and David Ross. Those were the names so
far as I can remember. I did not mention my proposed visit to you at
all. There seemed to me to be no necessity. I am subject to no one
here."

Mr. Foley smiled.

"They won't like it," he declared frankly.

"Their liking or disliking it will not affect the situation in the
least," Maraton assured him. "I shall come, without a doubt. It will
interest me to hear what you have to say, although unfortunately I
cannot hold out the slightest hope--"

"That is entirely understood," Mr. Foley interrupted. "Now how will
you come? Lyndwood Park is just sixty miles from London. To-day is
Friday, isn't it? I shall motor down there sometime to-morrow. Why
won't you come down with me?"

Maraton shook his head.

"If you will excuse me," he said, "I will not fix any time definitely.